‘When We Fight, We Win’: Kamala Harris, Black Leaders Energize DNC
Black voices were front and center on the opening day of the Democratic National Convention, as Black leaders and lawmakers passionately advocated for Kamala Harris, while delivering energetic addresses honoring both Harris and President Joe Biden.
The first night of the event, held in Chicago from August 19-22, kicked off with a dynamic array of speakers, a month after the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. Democrats drew a stark contrast between Harris and former President Donald Trump.
One theme was ever-present at the electrifying convention: looking toward the future and rejecting the past by pushing for what Democrats view as change with Harris in the Oval Office and leaving Trump behind.
Kamala Harris makes surprise appearance
In a surprise appearance, Harris took the stage, receiving a thunderous applause as she expressed her gratitude to President Biden for his service. “And I want to kick us off by celebrating our incredible president, Joe Biden,” Harris said. “We are forever grateful to you.”
She concluded her remarks by reaffirming her commitment to the fight, saying “let us all remember, when we fight, we win.” She is set to accept the convention’s nomination for president on Thursday and deliver a speech.
Black women lead the convention
Meanwhile, the convention commenced with Miyon Moore, a Black woman who serves as the convention chairwoman, calling the gathering to order.
The slew of Black Democrats showed enthusiasm about Harris potentially becoming the first woman president, while expressing appreciation for Biden.
The opening day of the four-day event marked the influence of African American lawmakers and leaders at what is arguably the most powerful platform for Democrats across the nation. And #BlackGirlMagic was on full display.
During the opening ceremony, Black choir Soul Children of Chicago sang the national anthem, earning a standing ovation from the audience.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, the first speaker of the day, welcomed state delegates and others to his city and fervently endorsed Harris. “What will it take to defeat MAGA Republicans? Let me tell you, Kamala, she’s got us!” Johnson declared.
Speaking of Black women’s representation, U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters of California praised Harris’ extensive public service, highlighting her roles as former district attorney of San Francisco and California attorney general.
Waters emphasized the historic impact of electing Harris as the next president. “We can ask ourselves, is this America? And we will be able to say loudly and proudly, you damn right it is,” Waters proclaimed.
More African American representation
The convention also honored Rev. Jesse Jackson, who received a standing ovation as he appeared on stage in a wheelchair, a testament to his enduring influence despite the challenges posed by Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder caused by the death of dopamine-producing brain cells, which impairs movement coordination.
Other African American speakers who took the stage were U.S. Reps. Jasmine Crockett and Jim Clyburn, U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, and U.S. Sen. Laphonza Butler.
Crockett, whose heated debate with GOP Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene went viral, slammed Trump for his support of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, the landmark court decision that protected abortion rights.
“Americans looking at the two choices before you, who would you hire, Donald Trump or Kamala Harris? Kamala Harris has a resume, Donald Trump has a rap sheet,“ Crockett said.
After the court’s ruling, abortion access has been restricted in some states, and left up to states to pass any bans.
Affirming her support for Harris, Butler noted that they both graduated from a historically Black college and university. “We deserve a president who is tough, not just tough-talking,” Butler said. “Democrats, the president that we deserve is my friend Kamala Harris.”
Barack and Michelle Obama deliver energizing speeches
Former first lady Michelle Obama addressed the DNC Tuesday evening and was greeted with a cheering crowd. Mrs. Obama has a major influence on voters as she leads a nonpartisan voter initiative to increase voter participation among underrepresented groups, according to Essence.
And right after, former President Obama delivered his primetime addresss, with words of enthusiasm for Harris’ campaign. He also commended President Biden for passing the torch to Harris.
Even though the Obamas didn’t immediately endorse Harris for the Democratic presidential nomination following Biden’s exit from the race, they are fully on board now. The couple publicly declared their support in a phone call with Harris that went viral.
Also thanking President Biden for his contributions was Hillary Clinton, who segued into a passionate speech Monday about what is at stake in the 2024 election.
“The future is here,” the former secretary of state shouted, endorsing Harris. “No matter what the polls say, we can’t let up,” she said. “We have to fight for Kamala as she will fight for us.”
Biden took to the podium amid a chanting crowd, which was saying “Thank you Joe” at the final hour of Monday’s event.
“America, I love you,” Biden said in his keynote address. “Let me ask you: are you ready to vote for freedom? Are you ready to elect Kamala Harris and Tim Walz?” Led by Miyon Moore, Tim Walz was unanimously approved as the Democratic vice presidential candidate.
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